LAPD Study of Work Schedules
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* LAPD Chief Bernard Parks has again missed the point and failed to deal with the facts (Commentary, Nov. 21). After more than 2 1/2 years of experience with the compressed work schedule, there is ample evidence to prove that the compressed work schedule benefits not only the officers but the LAPD and the community as well.
Here are the facts based on the department’s own 18-month study: There is less overtime usage by officers on a compressed work schedule. Officers use less sick time. Morale is tremendously improved, resulting in better teamwork and improved attitudes toward work. Reduced trips to work enable the city to comply with AQMD standards, thus avoiding costly penalties. There is $24 million in annual budgetary savings, due primarily to reduced overtime and increased field time for each shift.
Nearly every other police department in California has some form of compressed work schedule, yet the management of the LAPD cannot figure out how to make it work in Los Angeles. The chief’s arguments against the compressed work schedule amount to thinly veiled excuses for destroying the most popular workers’ incentive program ever developed for the LAPD. The chief has let an opportunity to court the loyalty and dedication of the rank and file slip through his hands.
DAVE HEPBURN, President
L.A. Police Protective League * I agree with Chief Parks about the serious aspects, mostly negative, of the 12-hour work shift of police officers. But I believe another important problem should also be taken into account. And it should concern the officers, their union and the community at large.
How about the physical and mental condition of the police officer on such a shift? Is an officer as alert and as ready to respond to a problem in the ninth, 10th, 11th or 12th hour? After having been on duty for eight hours? This problem of efficiency is just as important in the defense of the citizenry (and in the self-defense of the officers) as any other concerns about a 12-hour work shift.
NATHAN KRAVETZ
Sherman Oaks
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